PONDA: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday said the government will start a telemedicine service for Goans from October 2.
He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the upgradation/reconstruction of 25-bedded Primary Health Centre at Betki.
Speaking further, he said under the telemedicine service, senior citizens will get medical treatment at home by calling the doctors at the hospitals. These doctors will provide consultation to patients, suggest medicines and provide treatment during emergency. If need be the doctors will even call them to the hospitals.
Sawant said he has discussed the scheme with the Health Minister and health officials. After its launch, 50 per cent patients will avoid undue hospital visits especially due to the prevailing pandemic situation. The Chief Minister said the government has decided to launch this scheme as even for simple illnesses people visit District Hospitals and Goa Medical College (GMC).
Sawant said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is still not over as there are still serious cases being recorded. The government is prepared for the third wave.”
He further said the government will soon start an outreach programme by taking the administration to the people’s doorsteps.
The Chief Minister said, “As promised the government will provide each household in the State with 16000 litres of free water. The government is taking every step to make the State and its people atmanirbhar.”
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said “The government is committed to providing more and more health facilities to its people. Goa spent nearly Rs 1 lakh on the treatment of COVID patients.”
Art and Culture Minister said, “The Betki PHC project got delayed due to the mutation process. The foundation stone was laid only after land was transferred to Betki PHC.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Cansaulim.
Sawant said “It was the dream of former minister late Matanhy Saldanha to provide best healthcare and other facilities to his constituents in particular. The PHC will provide best healthcare facilities to the people in the area.”
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, Mapusa MLA and GSIDC vice chairman Joshua D’Souza, panchas and GSIDC officials were also present.
